NEWS PROVIDED BY
Alex Lucas, AppVault
November 5th, 2020

Monroeville, Ala., [November 5th, 2020] – Hornady Transportation, LLC has announced its completed and successful operational merger with Builder’s Transportation Company, LLC (BTC), which went into effect October 1, 2020.

Both companies are part of Daseke, Inc., of Addison, Texas, the largest owner of flatbed, open-deck and specialty trucking capacity in North America. The merger was announced by Daseke in August 2019 as part of a company-wide operational plan.

Headquartered in Monroeville, Ala., Hornady has been in operation since 1925, with a familial legacy. Their terminal in Birmingham supports the building materials and steel industries east of the Rockies with the merger resulting in a second terminal in Memphis, Tenn.

The merger of BTC’s operations has enabled Hornady to further diversify their freight mix and double in size while strengthening their service of the building materials, steel, oil and gas industries with a fleet of 406 late-model tractors and 605 flatbed trailers.

In joining two companies with a combined service record of nearly 150 years, Hornady embraces a future of continued stability and growth as they further honor their commitment to quality and reliability.

The added freight mix has also allowed for additional capacity and added staff in Monroeville, expanding drivers’ career opportunities with Hornady as they continue to prioritize individual customer needs. Drivers can enjoy updated equipment, collaborative teams and unmatched support while making an impact within their communities and beyond.

“The merger goes beyond numbers. We’re bringing together two innovative organizations who have a shared vision and trust in one another. We look forward to the positive changes to come and value our team members’ support in this transition,” said Chris Hornady, CEO.

As such, Hornady’s mission remains – to succeed in operational excellence and provide industry-leading customer satisfaction.

About Hornady Transportation

Hornady Transportation builds lasting customer relationships through our pledge of professional and ethical business practices with customers, vendors and employees. We’re committed to continuous improvement of service, safety, and personnel while providing outstanding trucking careers for CDL Class A drivers.

DriveHornady.com

Kansas City, MO (October 21, 2020) After a record-breaking Fiscal Year, P&G is recognizing a few of our driver partners on the front lines delivering business, daily. Five nominated drivers now hold the title of Procter & Gamble “Driver of the Year.”

One of the five is Hogan Transport’s own Althea Thompson. Thompson began driving over the road with Hogan in 2011 and then made the switch to P&G in March 2012. When asked about her nearly ten-year relationship with Hogan, she said: “I stay with Hogan because when it comes down to family they understand you one hundred percent. When you need time off they give it to you. They take family time seriously.”

Each candidate received the nomination from a colleague who answered a series of selection criteria to make a case for their chosen employee. Thompson was nominated by her former dispatcher because he can trust that she gets the load there on time. “He told me I was involved and said he was going to put me down since I run P&G. I’m always involved with P&G. That’s all I know,” she said.

The qualifications ranged from number of shipments supporting P&G’s business to community service activities. Finalists were selected by leaders within Procter & Gamble North America Transportation Operations and Purchases organizations. Every individual nominated received at least a “Driver of the Year Nominee” certificate from P&G recognizing their hard work and contribution to the business.

Top Finalists were showcased formally during the Virtual Carrier Summit, “Charging Toward the Future Together,” held on October 14, 2020. As part of the Summit, P&G recognized a few, special carriers for excellent performance and partnership.

When asked about her victory, Thompson exclaimed, “I’m on cloud nine because I’ve never won anything before. I’m so excited. I’m enjoying it.”

The nearly tenured driver is known for being an integral part of developing Hogan’s relationship with P&G in the Kansas City area. With eight plus years of safe driving, 99.9% on time, 0 DOT recordable accidents, and 160 shipment YTD on P&G; Thompson was the obvious choice.

According to Thompson, she has consistently remained a faithful supporter of every P&G initiative. “I’ve went green with them. When they went green, I did the gas trucks. When they made a change, I did a change with them. I’ve always complied with changes,” she said.

With the upcoming summit on the horizon, Thompson is eager to attend. She has already received a gift card from Hogan and is looking forward to “the prize at the end of the rainbow.” When asked what’s next for the recent winner she said, “I’m with P&G for the ride. I’m cool. I’m the laid-back type of person. I’m here for the wave.”

We are Hogan Comprehensive Transportation. Straightforward Solutions.

Hogan is one of the largest, fastest growing, and most respected transportation service providers in the US. Founded in 1918, and proudly celebrating over 100 successful years in business, we’re a privately held company headquartered in St. Louis, MO.

DES MOINES, Iowa, December 4, 2018– TMC Transportation, the nation’s largest employee-owned open deck carrier, is proud to present Randy Buhs as the recipient of the distinguished Driver of the Quarter award for the third quarter of 2018. With 18 years and nearly two million safe driving miles, both consecutively with TMC, Randy Buhs is the epitome of a TMC Driver of the Quarter. The Peoria, IL native and Army veteran came to TMC at the turn of the century and immediately made a name for himself.

Randy has experienced just about every opportunity the truck driving industry has to offer. Before he came to TMC, Randy drove reefer regionally for 11 years. Seeking a change of scenery and a more challenging routine, Randy decided he wanted to drive flatbed, and was drawn to TMC because of its sparkling reputation.

Upon onboarding with TMC, Randy enjoyed seeing all that the United States has to offer while driving on the over-the-road linehaul division. He was even was a driver trainer for several years before he joined the elite TMC Specialized Division, hauling heavy equipment until a local dedicated position opened up near his hometown, where he continues to be a shining representative of TMC.

“From the very beginning I was very pleased with my choice to drive for TMC,” says Randy. “The quality of this company is evident with the top-notch equipment, and having my name on my door makes me feel like I am not just a number. TMC values their drivers and gives you all the tools to be your own boss and be successful.”

Driving two million miles while maintaining a spotless safety record is no accident (no pun intended). Randy’s number one goal is to give 100% effort to his job each and every day, and to do so with a safety conscious work ethic.

“In this industry, it is so important to be alert, aware and do everything you can to keep yourself and motorists safe out on the road,” Randy explains. “To achieve this goal, I make sure to do everything with a deliberate, easy pace and not get in a rush. At the end of the week when I park my truck I look back, review and ask myself what I could have to be more safe and efficient. I strive to always do better than I did the day before.”

Not only does Randy find pride in the job he does, he is grateful to work for a company that gives back to their employees. Randy experienced the implementation of TMC’s employee-ownership program in 2013, and found that it gave him even more motivation to work harder and smarter.

“It is amazing that our owner thinks so much of his drivers and employees that he chose to keep TMC’s core values and turn his company over to us,” says Randy. “It lights a fire under you. The better you do your job, the more successful the company is and all TMC employees get to share in those benefits. In the five years since we’ve been employee-owned, the growth and success has been tremendous, and I couldn’t be happier in my choice of companies to work for.”

Most are familiar with TMC’s signature motto, “Destination: Excellence”. When Randy first began driving with TMC, he always thought it was a nice expression, but couldn’t fully understand what it meant at first.

“After 18 years, that motto has resonated with me and really made an impact on my goals for the future,” he says. “At the end of your driving career when you step out of that truck, did you really achieve that destination of excellence? When I retire, I want to be able to say that I did.”

“Randy does an excellent job on the Arconic dedicated account,” says Brent Funk, Randy’s Fleet Manager. “He is a driver that I can consistently count on to get the job done right and on time. Randy has a phenomenal work ethic and is very deserving of this award. I look forward to seeing Randy continue to succeed at TMC.”

Randy resides in East Peoria, IL with his wife of 37 years. He has two grown children and is a proud grandfather to two young grandchildren. We are blessed to have Randy as a part of the Black and Chrome family, and we greatly appreciate the hard work he puts in each day. Congratulations, Randy!

Criteria for Driver of the Quarter recognition includes years of service with the company, safe driving record, excellent customer service, professionalism and overall quality performance. Once a driver is recognized as a Driver of the Quarter they are eligible to receive the prestigious Wheel Master Award.

About TMC
TMC Transportation is the nation’s largest employee-owned open deck transportation company. TMC provides expert transportation services and supply-chain management solutions throughout the 48 contiguous states. Founded in 1972, TMC is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, and is known for its integrity, innovation, superior safety record and dedication to quality and customer service. The company’s claim-free, on-time delivery record is the best in the business and is consistently recognized by its customers. Visit our website here, or see the TMC jobs on SmartPhoneTrucker by clicking  here.

DES MOINES, Iowa, September 5, 2018– Joe came to TMC looking for a new work environment with a familiar setting: the open road. After doing his research, he discovered the Black and Chrome and decided it would be the perfect place for him. After officially joining the team in May 2010, Joe quickly discovered that he found the right place. “I have always felt at home here, and it’s been a great fit from the very beginning,” he says.

In August 2015, he felt it was time for him to take on the training role. “I believed that I had a lot of good knowledge to bring to the table,” Joe says. “I wanted to do my part and make sure new drivers are learning what they need to do.”

“Joe is a hard worker and a diligent trainer,” says Jeff Geist, Training Coordinator Manager. “His main goal is to see his trainees succeed and he makes sure they are prepared for the job ahead.”

The Jacksonville, Fla., native considers himself a hands-on trainer. “This job is all about repetition,” he says. “My job is to make sure that I understand how each individual learns and cater to both their strengths and also areas that need more coaching.”

One thing that Joe emphasizes to his trainees is the importance of lending a hand out on the road. “I never stray away from helping out other drivers.” He also stresses the importance of seeking help if it you need it. “Never try to be in too big of a rush, and never be afraid to ask questions.”

For professional drivers who are interested in training, Joe encourages patience and persistence. “You have to be patient and realize that you will always be learning new things as well,” he says. “You always have to grow in your skills while teaching others to do the same.”

Driver trainers are vital to the TMC training department, and each month a trainer is chosen who demonstrates the outstanding qualities TMC looks for in a trainer. The Trainer of the Month recipient is chosen based on their safety record and the safety performance of their trainees, the number of drivers trained and the retention percentage of those drivers. Congratulations to our July 2018 Trainer of the Month, Joseph Ingram!

 About TMC

TMC Transportation is the nation’s largest employee-owned flatbed transportation company. TMC provides expert transportation services and supply-chain management solutions throughout the 48 contiguous states. Founded in 1972, TMC is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, and is known for its integrity, innovation, superior safety record and dedication to quality and customer service. The company’s claim-free, on-time delivery record is the best in the business and is consistently recognized by its customers. Visit us at www.tmctrans.com or see the TMC jobs on SmartPhoneTrucker here.

DES MOINES, Iowa, August 8, 2018– TMC Transportation, the nation’s largest employee-owned open deck carrier, is proud to present John Strickland Jr. as the recipient of the distinguished Driver of the Quarter award for the second quarter of 2018. A professional truck driver with the company for more than seven years, John has steered his career with pride and perseverance.

John was drawn to the trucking industry for the exciting challenges it entails and the comfortable living it provides. He enjoys the journey of the open road and the variance of the day-to-day over-the-road lifestyle.

“I love working hard, it’s in my blood,” says John. “This job takes a deep sense of dedication, and I take pride in giving 100% effort every day.”

John obtained his CDL several years before joining the Black and Chrome fleet while working at a small local operation. He didn’t see much driving time, and was hungry for adventure and the opportunity to further his career. John chose to sign on with TMC because of the diversity and physicality of flatbed, the industry leading home time and performance based pay package.

After a successful first few years at TMC, John chose to become a driver trainer and help provide new drivers with the tools to succeed in their own careers. Then in 2013, upon TMC’s implementation of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), John’s job as a truck driver and trainer took a whole new meaning.

“From the beginning I knew I wanted to retire here, but being an employee-owner gives you something more to reach for,” John explains. “Everything you do contributes toward your future, and training gives you the opportunity to teach new drivers the right way to do things to keep the company successful. It gives you a whole new goal.”

John has been so successful as both a driver and driver trainer that he was named TMC’s “Trainer of the Month” in March of this year, and he is well on his way to reaching his first million safe driving miles, an accomplishment he has long been determined to achieve. Being a safe driver is of utmost importance to John, and he takes active steps every day to ensure the safety of himself, his trainees and other motorists.

“Tolerance and patience is key,” he says. “Always execute thorough pre-trips and be prepared to adapt to new situations. And of course, always get plenty of rest!”

“John is outstanding in every category,” says Sam Bricker, John’s Fleet Manager. “I have worked with john for several years now and he takes a lot of pride in his job and working for TMC. He is one of the hardest working drivers I have and always strives to do things correctly and safely. John is extremely reliable, easy going and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

John is a native of Camden, Arkansas, but currently resides in northeast Texas. He is a proud father, and recently became a grandfather. TMC is proud to have John as a fantastic representation of the company and trucking industry as a whole, and we look forward to his future successes.

Criteria for Driver of the Quarter recognition includes years of service with the company, safe driving record, excellent customer service, professionalism and overall quality performance. Once a driver is recognized as a Driver of the Quarter they are eligible to receive the prestigious Wheel Master Award.

About TMC

TMC Transportation is the nation’s largest employee-owned open deck transportation company. TMC provides expert transportation services and supply-chain management solutions throughout the 48 contiguous states. Founded in 1972, TMC is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, and is known for its integrity, innovation, superior safety record and dedication to quality and customer service. The company’s claim-free, on-time delivery record is the best in the business and is consistently recognized by its customers. Visit us at www.tmctrans.com.

You can also see TMC’s jobs on SmartPhoneTrucker by clicking here.

DES MOINES, Iowa, June 27, 2018– Flatbed trucking was not a job that Jeff ever expected himself to be doing, but when the opportunity for a career change arose, he decided that it was time to step out of his comfort zone. Now that he is here and working in the training role, there is no place he would rather be. “I kind of just fell into the flatbed industry,” Jeff says. He joined the TMC family in December 2015 and became a driver trainer in October 2017. “I always heard about the principles and policies that TMC had, and I really liked that,” he says.

Jeff’s goal is that his drivers walk away from training feeling confident about the job they need to do. He also suggests this as a primary objective for those who are considering becoming a trainer themselves. “Success from this job comes from following the standards that TMC has in place,” he says. “They set the bar very high, and my own trainer instilled in me the importance of doing the job right.”

The Bossier City, La. native works to teach his drivers how to do the job as efficiently as possible, while always keeping safety at the forefront. He does this by keeping his training environment laid back and positive. “I know drivers are already nervous when they start training,” Jeff says. “They don’t need the extra pressure.”

“The safety record of the drivers he has trained is impeccable,” says Jeff Geist, Training Coordinator Manager. “This attributes to the quality training that he provides.”

Jeff is grateful for where his journey in the trucking industry has taken him. “It has taught me to be more patient and understanding, and I’m always learning new things from my trainees,” he says. “It makes me really proud to do this job, and it’s great to keep meeting new people and showing them the ropes.”

Driver trainers are vital to the TMC training department, and each month a trainer is chosen who demonstrates the outstanding qualities TMC looks for in a trainer. The Trainer of the Month recipient is chosen based on their safety record and the safety performance of their trainees, the number of drivers trained and the retention percentage of those drivers. Congratulations to our May 2018 Trainer of the Month, Jeff Sharp!

About TMC

TMC Transportation is the nation’s largest employee-owned flatbed transportation company. TMC provides expert transportation services and supply-chain management solutions throughout the 48 contiguous states. Founded in 1972, TMC is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, and is known for its integrity, innovation, superior safety record and dedication to quality and customer service. The company’s claim-free, on-time delivery record is the best in the business and is consistently recognized by its customers. Visit us at www.tmctrans.com.

You can also see TMC’s jobs on SmartPhoneTrucker by clicking here.

DES MOINES, IA-based TMC has named Dennis Kinzler Trainer of the Month for December. Dennis has been driving for TMC for just over three years and has already proved himself a valuable asset in the training department. He had training experience from a previous employer, so the interest to move into the role was always there.

“The underlying motivation was that I always appreciated that somebody was able to train me,” says Dennis. “I saw what they were doing in helping new drivers come about and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Like many others in the industry, Dennis enjoys the shared camaraderie between drivers out on the road. “I think the relationships you gain out here are invaluable,” he says. “Even the ones you build with drivers from other companies.”

Dennis applies the relationship building approach in his training. “I’m always helping my guys out and reassuring them that I have their best interest in mind,” he says. He believes this hands-on teaching helps his trainees the most. “I’m really patient and I try to teach little things along the way, and I think they appreciate that.”

Dennis is aware of the challenges that new drivers face, such as being away from their families thing and the obstacles of being in a new work environment. “My job is to make sure these guys have a career they enjoy,” Dennis says. “Helping them gain experience and learn to grow is the way to do that.”

For those who are interested in training, Dennis says to give it a shot. “I encourage it because it is rewarding to see people grow in the industry,” he says. “Take each day as a small challenge and hold true to what you know.”

Finally, Dennis is appreciative of the opportunities at TMC, and training has turned out to be one of the most rewarding for him. “It’s a blessing when you find out some of the guys you trained are now trainers themselves,” he says. “It feels like you really had an impact on somebody.”

Driver trainers are vital to the TMC training department, and each month a trainer is chosen who demonstrates the outstanding qualities TMC looks for in a trainer. The Trainer of the Month recipient is chosen based on their safety record and the safety performance of their trainees, the number of drivers trained and the retention percentage of those drivers. Congratulations to our December 2017 Trainer of the Month, Dennis Kinzler!

About TMC
TMC Transportation is the nation’s largest employee-owned flatbed transportation company. TMC provides expert transportation services and supply-chain management solutions throughout the 48 contiguous states. Founded in 1972, TMC is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, and is known for its integrity, innovation, superior safety record and dedication to quality and customer service. The company’s claim-free, on-time delivery record is the best in the business and is consistently recognized by its customers. You can see their openings here or visit their website here.